From Student to Registered Nurse – Alexey’s Journey
Flinders University nursing graduate, Alexey Pasynkov, loved his final nursing placement at Resthaven so much that, when he graduated, he applied to work at Resthaven – and was successful!
Alexey, who is now a Registered Nurse (RN) at Resthaven Port Elliot, says, ‘At the end of 2020, I did my Flinders University nursing placement at Resthaven Westbourne Park.’
‘It was really good; the team was very supportive, the nurses very patient.’
‘I felt that I was contributing to the care and they were engaging me in clinical decisions.’
‘Then I graduated, and started applying for RN positions in aged care, but particularly Resthaven.’
A position became available at Resthaven Port Elliot, and Alexey jumped at it.
‘I was happy to relocate to the Fleurieu Peninsula,’ he says, ‘and I really wanted to work for Resthaven.’
‘I had heard that Resthaven had the best reputation in the aged care sector for quality of care. And I’d heard good stories about this place [Resthaven Port Elliot].’
Alexey started as an RN at Resthaven Port Elliot in January 2021. As he explains, he transitioned into the role with some Enrolled Nurse shifts, ‘just to get into the routine of the home and get some experience, as I was fresh out of uni.’
This is an example of the various career pathways that Resthaven provides for new graduates to accelerate their transition to their qualified role.
‘All the staff here work really hard, but the atmosphere is so positive and supportive.’
‘Staff are looked after. The Manager, Clinical Nurse, Care Coordinator – I receive calls from them throughout the day, I know I can always ask for help.’
‘They’re always checking in, and giving me feedback.’
Alexey chose to work in aged care because ‘I enjoy forming connections with the staff and residents; I love the continuity of care. That’s a major aspect.’
‘Also, working in aged care, you get more stable hours; in a hospital it’s a two-week roster, you can never plan anything ahead. But in aged care, you can get permanent hours.’
‘It also offers good experience for nurses, as you’re the first point of contact for clinical issues. It makes you think, what can I do here?’
‘There’s more autonomy – it encourages critical and clinical thinking. It’s a challenge.’
‘The aged care sector is really underrated.’
In August, Alexey applied and was successful for Resthaven’s Transition to Professional Practice Program (TPPP), an internal program for graduate nurses to support their transition into the RN role.
Alexey is excited to begin, saying, ‘The benefit is that it’s a more structured way of learning. I’ll be working as I work now, but be assessed, and have more feedback and additional education.’
‘Then, on completion, it’s evidence I’ve ticked all those boxes throughout the year.’
A mentor will be provided to Alexey to support his learning.
Alexey says, ‘I’m so glad that I started my nursing career in aged care with Resthaven.’
Resthaven is delighted to support nurses such as Alexey throughout their nursing careers. With various entry levels and career pathway programs in place, Resthaven offers you the opportunity to work and grow your career in aged care.
If you are interested in joining the Resthaven team, visit www.resthaven.asn.au/careers for current job opportunities.
Every day, Resthaven shares the lives and wisdom of older people and their carers, opening doors to the full range of aged care service options available. Services are provided throughout metropolitan Adelaide, the Adelaide Hills, Murraylands, Riverland, Fleurieu Peninsula, lower Barossa region and the Limestone Coast of South Australia.